Hi Ianhen. While Eset Smart is a Anti-virus suite I think you'll find that Super AntiSpyware is not. It is for checking and removing all manner of malware & spyware and I find it very good. I use the free version of it in conjunction with the Free version of Avast, which is an anti-virus program with many extras. I've used this combination with confidence for a number of years. You could also have a look at the free version of AVG which many people like. Of course each of the above have 'Pro' - paid for versions if you prefer to go down that path.
Hope this helps you.
Norman.

i would say that's possible but very unlikely. if you did a image before you did anything different to the system i would say no. I'm no expert here but my thinking is if you did a image and the system is effected then i would say yes it would be. i don't know.. sorry for butting in.

Your not butting in. I was just wondering that if you made an image when machine is clean and saved it to DVD disks they are then seperate from the machine if it becomes affected. But, if you made an image to external drive as I do, should the drive be disconnected from the machine so it could not be affected. I leave my back up drive connected, is that the wrong thing to do?

You ok john.
Imaging should be done when you KNOW your system is running sweet as a nut. I image often and it does not take long (macrium reflect).
Your docs, holiday snaps /weddings / music / movies et al should be on the external drive at all times, less stress on the imaging process, keep only immediate requirements on the main machine and this keeps clutter to a minimum.

On main machine I have 2 external drives, one connected 24/7 access required and the 2nd disconnected which is the main backup drive which I copy every day and overwrite. I connect only when I need access.

LH, I have been using MSE after using Norton 360 for years, I like MSE but after reading your comments that you have used Avira for years I downloaded and installed it, then I ran a full scan and it came up with one virus and two malware infections that neither MSE or Sas had discovered, is this typical or just a fluke? I don't know if I should uninstall MSE and use only Aviar. Can you or anyone else advise? I have both Xp and win 7 Os's.

SAS will pick up different things to Avira or MSE. I use Avira because it works well for me, and all the computers I have installed it on. And yes, I have tried them all at some point. (the free ones that is)